A theoretical framework of housing design components in the context of women’s social sustainability (case study: Isfahan city)

The changing role of women in the home and society has led to increased demands and different expectations placed upon them compared to the past. As a result, there is a need to understand and address the unique requirements of women in terms of housing design and social sustainability. This study aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for housing design components that cater specifically to women’s social sustainability.

To accomplish this, the study first reviewed existing literature on social sustainability to identify the sociological needs of women. Additionally, factors influencing women’s architecture were examined. Through a descriptive-analytical approach, various components were extracted and categorized into five dimensions: “social and cultural dimension,” “mental-psychological dimension,” “land use and infrastructure dimension,” “economic dimension,” and “physical dimension.” The final theoretical framework for housing design, centered around women’s social sustainability, was established using the Delphi research method conducted thrice. Next, a closed questionnaire was administered using the survey research method, along with the Friedman test to determine the priority of each component in designing residential environments in Isfahan.

The results highlighted the significance of three components: the “connection of the five senses with the environment” (mental-psychological dimension), the “sense of place” (mental-psychological dimension), and “ergonomics” (physical dimension). In Isfahan, the first component is particularly important due to women’s partial perception of details and the lack of sensory stimuli in contemporary residential architecture.

The sense of place is also crucial as reduced neighborhood connections and residency time have contributed to social issues in Isfahan. Furthermore, the third-ranked component, ergonomics, emphasizes the need for considering women’s ergonomic requirements separately from men’s when designing environmental equipment. The proposed solution suggests incorporating flexible kitchen equipment that can accommodate both women and men, allowing for adjustments to suit different ergonomic needs. Alternatively, facilitation equipment could be utilized to adapt masculine ergonomic features to women requirements. This approach addresses the importance of flexibility in home design, which, although not the highest priority component, serves as a critical intermediary for achieving other components in the design of socially sustainable housing that focuses on women.